Federal Civil Service Mentoring Policy (FCSSIP 2021 to 2025, HCD Pillar)

What Is This Policy?

The Federal Civil Service Mentoring Policy establishes a structured mentoring system within the federal public service, pairing experienced senior officers with junior and mid-level staff to accelerate professional development, transmit institutional knowledge, build leadership capacity, and retain talented civil servants through supported, relationship-based career growth.

Who Does It Target?

Junior civil servants at GL 06 to GL 10 who are in the early stages of their federal public service career Mid-level officers at GL 11 to GL 14 preparing for senior management responsibilities Women officers and officers from underrepresented groups who benefit from targeted mentoring to overcome structural career barriers Senior officers at GL 15 to GL 17 who serve as mentors, deepening their own leadership skills through the mentoring relationship

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Transfer institutional knowledge from experienced officers to junior staff, reducing the organisational memory loss that occurs when senior officers retire Build a pipeline of capable, well-rounded civil servants ready to assume leadership roles across the service Improve retention of high-potential officers by providing them with visible career investment and structured development pathways Foster a culture of collaboration, professional generosity, and shared purpose within the federal civil service

Key Features

Structured Pairing System: Mentees are matched with mentors based on career goals, subject expertise, and compatibility through a formal OHCSF matching process conducted annually 12-Month Mentoring Cycle: Each mentoring relationship runs for a minimum of 12 months; pairs are required to meet at least once per month and document progress Mentoring Agreement: Both mentor and mentee sign a formal agreement at the start of the programme outlining goals, meeting schedules, confidentiality expectations, and evaluation criteria Women Leadership Track: A dedicated women's mentoring track supports female officers aspiring to director and permanent secretary levels, addressing the gender gap in senior civil service leadership Cross-MDA Mentoring: Officers may be mentored by senior colleagues in different MDAs, broadening their understanding of the entire government system beyond their home ministry Recognition for Mentors: Mentors who complete full cycles are recognised at the annual OHCSF Excellence Awards; mentoring contribution counts toward leadership competency ratings

Current Status

Active and being implemented. The Federal Civil Service Mentoring Policy is being rolled out across federal ministries, departments, and agencies.

Legal Framework

Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021 to 2025); National Human Capital Development Policy; Public Service Rules (Revised 2021); UNESCO HCD Framework